Found in the northernmost reaches of Alaska, where the vast Arctic Ocean and the tundra stretch on for miles, Barrow (Utqiaġvik) is not your typical hometown. There is no bustling shopping mall or local bar. No paved roads run through town. Freezing temps and snowfall can happen throughout the year as the seasons follow a transition from polar night to midnight sun.
With an indigenous population above 60%, the town is strongly shaped by its historic roots. The resident Iñupiat community has called this location home for 1500 years, marking it amongst the oldest permanent U.S. settlements. Steadfast and deeply ingrained with a sense of self-sufficiency, along with a commitment to their community, the people of Barrow remain strongly connected to their ancestors' way of life. Continuing to rely heavily on the land, ocean, and each other to survive in this remote outpost.
Surrounded by the unforgiving tundra and Atlantic Ocean, the secluded setting is a daily reality for its residents, and many still rely on subsistence food sources. Hunting isn’t merely a pastime; it’s an essential aspect of life. Caribou, fish, waterfowl, whale, seal, and polar bear—harvested from the nearby tundra and ocean—serve as the lifeblood for the community, providing a good portion of the town's sustenance.
While hunting helps preserve a connection to their ancestral roots, the harvested resources play a crucial role in offsetting the steep costs associated with transporting goods to Barrow. The frozen permafrost renders the construction of paved roads unfeasible, necessitating air or barge transport and leading to exorbitant costs for a variety of items. Basic groceries, like canned or fresh vegetables and milk, are three times more costly. Furthermore, the total lack of trees on the tundra means all building materials must be brought in.
Due to the limited amenities and the high cost of shipping, the residents have cultivated a strong sense of resourcefulness. Those with specific skills often leverage them to benefit the well-being of the community. Clifford Benson, a native of Barrow, embodies this town ethos. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, able mechanic, dedicated search and rescue volunteer, and an off-roading enthusiast, Benson recognized the opportunity to apply his skills in a meaningful way.
In an effort to create a meaningful impact on the lives of his family, friends, and neighbors, Benson set out to help tackle the steep transport costs by offering affordable freight services to the community. Seizing a brief window during the winter months, he, along with a like-minded crew, take off across the tundra—using a small fleet of diesel trucks and trailers to haul in equipment, vehicles, and building materials.
During the winter freeze, a brief window opens, allowing us to traverse the frozen tundra and access other parts of Alaska to bring back essential supplies.
Last winter, one such trip took Clifford and his crew over 1,000 miles one-way, hauling building materials from Anchorage, Alaska to Barrow. The last 200-mile stretch of this route is referred to by Clifford as the 'ultimate off-road adventure.' Beginning in Prudhoe Bay, the road ends—with no stops and no cell service—until they reach home.
Navigating the route is no joyride.
With frigid temps that plummet to -40 degrees, no cell service, no trail markers, and just a snow-packed trail for guidance, painstaking prep is essential before setting out. Clifford and his team will pack enough food for several days, 90 gallons extra fuel, and every tool they might need should a truck get stuck or break down.
Despite the challenges that come with living in Barrow, the community remains steadfast, valuing the freedom that comes with the knowledge that they can endure and thrive, much like the generations before them. For the rest of the world, the town serves as a reminder of the beauty and unyielding resilience still found in the remote corners of our planet. To Barrow's residents, the town stands as a testament to their dedication to the land, their ancestors, and their community. As Clifford puts it, "This is home."
In a journey as breathtaking as it is challenging, join Clifford and his crew on their expedition to witness the stunning beauty of northern Alaska and experience the demands of being a freight hauler for the remote town of Barrow.
Watch the #TowingAdventure short film, "Trail to Barrow," now.
